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A moderate-to-hard climb of the tallest mountain in the Lake Tahoe Basin.


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Map Key

9.2

Miles

14.8

KM

77%

Runnable

10,726' 3,269 m

High

8,296' 2,529 m

Low

2,429' 740 m

Up

2,427' 740 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

Overview

The climb on Horse Meadows and then the PCT isn't overly hard, but the final mile of the Freel Peak climb is difficult.

Need to Know

The gate to get to FS Road 31051 is usually closed from November to April, so check the forest service road conditions before driving to the trailhead.

Description

First, take the FS Road 31051 to the trailhead. This road is located off Luther Pass ( bit.ly/3597g4d). From here, drive on the main road (straight most of the time) and pass two bridges to the parking area. It is located almost immediately after the second bridge ( bit.ly/3kbeYBc).

Park and take the trail on the front of the clearing. This is Horse Meadows Trail, and it should have a sign directing you to Freel Peak. Climb this moderate trail to Armstrong Pass and take a right on the TRT. This is a mild but long section and is almost all forested, with little views.

After this tiring section, you should reach a three-way fork with a view of Tahoe. Going straight leads to Star Lake, if you want to go there, and going right leads you to Freel Peak on an un-maintained trail. There should be a sign directing you to Freel Peak.

Climb through the steep forest and scree with amazing views, and after a mile, you'll reach the summit of Freel Peak. Congrats! This is an out-and-back trail, but can also be done as a loop.

Shared By:

Brady L

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#8

in Lake Tahoe

#3947

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#8

in Lake Tahoe

#565

in California

#3,947

Overall
2 Views Last Month
474 Since Oct 18, 2020
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Photos

Lake Tahoe from the summit of Freel Peak.
Oct 18, 2020 near South L…, CA
Jobs Sister and Nevada from Freel Peak.
Oct 18, 2020 near South L…, CA
The start of the climb - with Freel Peak in the background.
Oct 18, 2020 near South L…, CA
Freel Peak 10, 886'!
Oct 18, 2020 near South L…, CA
Intersection of Armstrong and Tahoe Rim Trail
Aug 24, 2017 near South L…, CA
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